Celtic in Evan Ferguson twist as Roma make transfer U-turn

Robin Bairner

7 Jan 2026 08:02 GMT
4 min read

Evan Ferguson, Celtic v Roma, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Celtic have received a major update on the future of Evan Ferguson, the Brighton striker on loan at Roma who was seen as the Glasgow giant’s dream January transfer target.

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Ferguson netted twice against the Parkhead club in the Europa League for the Giallorossi but has found life difficult in Serie A under the guidance of Gian Paolo Gasperini.

The Roma head coach has publicly criticised the 21-year-old Ireland international forward at times this season and it appeared that he would be destined to have his loan spell cut short, opening the possibility of a switch to Celtic.

“Ferguson isn’t convincing me. Even in the second half, for a long time. He hasn’t quite got into the swing of things yet, along with others,” Gasperini grumbled after a 2-1 defeat to Juventus in December that seemed to be a green light for the Hoops to make a move for the €27 million-rated striker.

Current ETV

Evan Ferguson

F (C)

Roma

Evan Ferguson

F (C)

Roma

ETV Range

€24.3M - €29.7M

Zirkzee could block Ferguson’s Celtic transfer

But there has been a twist in Italy caused by Manchester United’s sacking of Ruben Amorim that has changed everything.

Amorim’s sacking now means that Joshua Zirkzee is more likely to remain with the Red Devils.

© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee: Staying at Man Utd?

Roma boss fumes as deals stall

It is a situation that has infuriated Gasperini, according to reports from Sky Sport Italia (via Calciomercato).

Following Roma’s 2-0 win over Lecce on Tuesday – a match that Ferguson started and found the net in – the Roma boss refused to speak to the media after the game.

“Dissatisfaction is mounting and Gasperini has chosen to remain silent so as not to voice it in front of reporters,” it reports.

“The club hasn't provided any official statement: what's clear is that the manager made his own decision because he couldn't calmly answer any transfer questions and therefore prefers to do so to avoid worsening the situation. The former Atalanta player was already expecting some signings and, given the tension surrounding the issue, preferred to remain silent.”

With Roma unable to make signings, it means that Ferguson will not be sanctioned to leave the club and join Celtic.

Having scored twice in his last two Serie A matches, there is also a case to suggest that the Irishman may yet win his Roma coach over in a further blow to the Hoops’ chances of landing the hitman.